A New Era for Lufthansa and Boeing Partnership
On December 19, 2023, a significant announcement was made as Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Lufthansa Group unveiled a landmark deal for up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets. This order marks a pivotal moment, reintroducing the Boeing 737 family into Europe’s largest airline group’s fleet since the last 737-300 was delivered in 1995. The firm order comprises 40 737-8 airplanes, with an additional 60 options, signaling a robust commitment to growth and fleet diversity in the short to medium-haul segments.
Advancing Sustainability and Efficiency
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. He reminisced about Lufthansa’s role as a co-developer and launch customer of the 737 nearly 60 years ago, emphasizing that the new modern, quiet, economical, and efficient 737-8 aircraft are a leap forward in modernizing the fleet and achieving carbon CO2 reduction targets. The 737 MAX is celebrated for its 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and 50% smaller noise footprint compared to older generation airplanes, aligning with Lufthansa Group’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed his delight in the renewal of their relationship with the Lufthansa Group. He acknowledged the airline’s bold sustainability targets, noting that the 737-8 will play a crucial role in meeting these objectives with its significant improvements in fuel use, emissions, and noise impacts, all while reducing operational costs.
